PDF Documents

The Ten Commandments are a description of the basic freedom from sin that is necessary to live as a Christian. Please see below for many references that can help us understand more clearly the meaning of the Ten Commandments and how we can better follow them, beyond memorizing them in word.

For a printer friendly version of this page, please click on the PDF document located in the sidebar.

Exodus 20:1-17. The precise numbering and division of these precepts into “ten commandments” is somewhat uncertain. Traditionally, among Catholics and Lutherans, Exodus 20:1-6 are considered as only one commandment, and verse 17 as two. The Anglican, Greek Orthodox, and Reformed churches count Exodus 20:1-6 as two, and verse 17 as one.

The Commandments express man's fundamental duties to God and neighbor. As such, they represent grave obligations. To violate them knowingly & willingly in a significant way is to commit mortal sin (CCC #1854- 1864).

CCC #2056 states "The word "Decalogue" means literally "ten words."11 God revealed these "ten words" to his people on the holy mountain. They were written "with the finger of God,"12 unlike the other commandments written by Moses.13 They are pre-eminently the words of God. They are handed on to us in the books of Exodus14 and Deuteronomy.15 Beginning with the Old Testament, the sacred books refer to the "ten words,"16 but it is in the New Covenant in Jesus Christ that their full meaning will be revealed."

Monsignor Charles Pope, Archdiocese of Washington, DC, has prepared an excellent series on the Catholic faith following the general outline of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Here are his thoughts on the Ten Commandments.